The Lux Research Blog

Digital transformation means many things to many people, so it’s important to segment and analyze startups developing foundational enabling technologies as well as key impacted applications, such as Industry 4.0 and digital health. Our new market map identifies the top 20 startups digital innovators should be tracking.

Global warming, water scarcity, plastic waste, and the spread of microplastics – these are all serious environmental concerns on the minds of consumers, investors, and policymakers alike. Lux Analyst, Kristin Marshall, breaks down the key materials-related developments that occurred in 2020 regarding the sustainability imperative.

COVID-19 shook up the energy industry, and the aftermath is likely to shake the economic fabric as countries seek to rely on local systems and be self-sufficient. The major trend of improving resiliency in the post-COVID future will make the optimal use of domestic resources an even greater priority as countries seek energy independence and security while still maintaining progress toward decarbonization. Looking back on 2020, we reflect on some of the most important developments that occurred in the optimal use of resources storyline.

Last year was a significant foundation-building phase for the development of clinical decision-making tools based on data gathered remotely. We expect groundbreaking commercial successes to follow in the coming years, but in 2020, the biggest progress made was in developing devices to gather or capture the data needed to build or deliver these digital solutions. 

Digital transformation has the promise of enabling innovations in materials discovery, manufacturing processes, and applications, as well as new business models for sales. As we reflect on 2020, we take a look back and provide a breakdown of the most important developments and trends that occurred last year regarding digital transformation in materials.

As a result of the pandemic, autonomous vehicles were used in new ways, quickly adapted to disinfect public spaces or transport medical tests from testing sites to labs, which may sway public opinion and that of local officials as they take a closer look at how to regulate the technology. However, the financial pressure also forced some automakers to pause development. As we look back on 2020, we take a look back at some of the most important developments that occurred in the adapting to autonomy storyline.

With a significant decline in retail traffic, CPG companies have had to launch e-commerce, smartphone, and D2C channels almost overnight, which has now intensified competition.  As we look back on 2020, our digital transformation team reflects on some of the most important developments that occurred in our digital health and future consumer coverage.